Kudo — Restaurant in Melbourne

As I was strolling up little Collins street on my way to admire the escalator at parliament station I stumbled across a petite Japanese styled French bakery with a selection of finely crafted breads.

Keeping with the petite theme I was forced against my will (by an unknown invisible force) to order order a single canele. As this was a Japanese style French establishment I went with the houjicha flavour. Despite them having larger breads, because of the petite nature of this institute it only seemed appropriate to order the most petite thing on offer for the optimum petite experience.

The petite houjicha canele had a complex flavour. Despite being small, petite you could say, it was filled with large amounts of flavour. Totally surprising considering the petite nature of the presentation. Initially met with a chocolate taste. Just the perfect petite amount of sweetness. The flavour gently transitioned to the roasted tea flavour of houjicha.

It was a fine experience. Entering this establishment gave me respite from the big open world. The petite decor and the petite pastries enabled me to appreciate the smaller details of life in it’s most petite form. Truly an experience...

The attention to detail is evident in the entire venue, from the dangling canelé moulds to the organic curves of the wood. The interior is absolutely tiny so don't be too put off if there's a line out the door - only a handful of people can even fit inside at once. But even if there's a wait, it's well worth it for the gluten free artisan baked goods. Most people understandably get takeaway as the interior only has a handful of stools and tiny shelves for tables, but we decided to brave it just for a quick bite and coffee.

Because of my intolerance, I've never had a canelé before but I have to say the experience was incredible. It was crispy on the outside and beautifully moist and soft on the inside. There are interesting flavours like matcha as well as more standard like vanilla to suit all tastes. My friend said there was no difference from a regular canelé too. I also had a sesamiso cookie which was delicious, soft and chewy.

Despite my soy milk being a little overheated, coffee was also delicious, mild and sweet with beans roasted by Ona.

I would love to see these guys expand into a space with more space to sit down, but even as is I will...

We are so blessed to have an amazing gluten free bakery here!! As a celiac, I’m always so scared to eat anywhere but I don’t need to be with Kudo. Not only is everything gluten free, it’s delicious and imaginative and high quality. Gluten free food is usually an after thought but not here! the time and love and effort put into the breads, sandwiches and sweet treats makes every item on the menu a treasure. Plus the Asian influences throughout the menu, from the drinks to the pandan taro canelles make this bakery truly one of a kind. You cannot get these flavours anywhere else in the city ! There might be days where my favourite item is sold out, but hey, great things are not mass produced! And anyone saying they’re expensive, compare it to any non gf sandwich in Melbourne right now and you will find similar prices. Yes, the bread costs more than your average loaf, but that’s because it’s not full of crap and sold at supermarkets for $3. It’s the best gf bread in Melbourne and I’m grateful for the small team who constantly feed me. Thank you Elena, Felix and the...